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Abstract

Background and Objective Iron deficiency is one of the most prevalent nutrient disorders and women of child-bearing age are susceptible. Women's lives are marked by a continuum from intrauterine life to the elderly years and across the life span of a woman, menopause probably has the greatest impact on health. This study was aimed at providing information on the iron status and packed cell volume of pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women living in Calabar Cross River State, Nigeria. Iron parameters such as ferritin, serum iron, total iron binding capacity and transferrin saturation with iron were assayed. Materials and Methods A total of 90 women were enrolled in the study, 45 pre-menopausal women and 45 post-menopausal women. Serum iron and total iron binding capacity were assayed using colorimetric method. Transferrin saturation was calculated from total iron binding capacity and serum iron while ferritin was assayed using ELISA technique and PCV was done using microhematocrit method. Results The result showed significantly higher increase in ferritin level 189.796.83 ng mL1501 of post menopausal women p0.05 when compared to pre-menopausal women 85.15150115.18 ng mL1501. The result further showed that serum iron and transferrin saturation with iron are significantly p0.05 higher in post-menopausal women than pre-menopausal women and that there is higher prevalence of iron deficiency in pre-menopausal women. Conclusion This study has shown that post-menopausal women have higher ferritin, serum iron and transferrin saturation with iron while pre-menopausal women have higher prevalence of iron deficiency. It is important that both pre and post-menopausal women maintain an adequate iron status and follow dietary practices that enhance their wellbeing.